Arsteca.net

National Grid Attempts Swindle

February 1, 2010

To the Editor:

National Grid wants to charge us an extra $402 million per year for 3
years starting in 2011. To put this in perspective, according to their
filing request with the Public Service Commission (PSC), National Grid's
additional charge approaches their yearly capital expenditures.

National Grid says it won't increase rates. But that's only because the
so-called Competitive Transition Charge (CTC), a 10 year $4.8B surcharge
on our electric rates, is expiring in 2011. The new charge will take it's
place. But make no mistake, we are being asked to pay an extra $1.2
billion over 3 years. And by 2014, you can be sure National Grid will
come up with another charge, hoping to extend this bonus revenue stream
forever, if they can.

The CTC is the main reason we are charged 15 cents/kWh rather than the
more typical 10 cents/kWh across the country. By seeking the new
surcharge, National Grid is either trying to swindle us, or is indicating
its inability to run an electric utility efficiently. In which case, they
should be made to sell their business to a more capable operator.